Tourism Council WA has welcomed the $10 million WA Labor election commitment investment in a business case for a new general-purpose berth at the Port of Albany, announced today.
Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said the potential for increased cruise ships stopping at the port would provide an opportunity to expand the capacity for tourism in Albany.
"Visitors to Albany spend $305 million in the local destination each year, creating 1,690 jobs," Mr Hall said.
"The upgraded facilities would need to be accompanied by accommodation development so that cruise ship passengers can stay overnight and create jobs by spending money in Albany's tours, experiences and hospitality venues.
"With accommodation development in Albany, cruise passengers will stay overnight, giving them more time to explore the south coast."
Mr Hall said cruise passengers frequently took part in day tours and experiences in each port.
"Passengers staying overnight leads to even more jobs in accommodation, retail and hospitality," Mr Hall said.
Mr Hall said cruise tourism in Western Australia generated $385 million in economic value last financial year.
